Proceedings of the 4th Business & Management Conference, Istanbul

INTERNALIZED STIGMA AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

HASAN SEVINIK, BURCU CEYLAN

Abstract:

Internalized stigma results from the internalization of social stigma by individuals with schizophrenia. On the other hand, impairment of social functioning is a descriptive characteristic of schizophrenia that is maintained in the course of the disorder. Impairment of social functioning can also occur as a result of internalized stigma in addition to impairment that results from the direct effects of the schizophrenia. Both affect patients’ and their families’ coping with the disorder. Psychiatric nurses, as health care professionals, also have important duties regarding the issue including predetermining the problems schizophrenics and their families may encounter due to the disorder, taking the required precautions for the individuals at risk and improving rehabilitation and counseling services. This review paper aims to evaluate internalized stigma and social functioning in schizophrenia and the role of psychiatric nurses.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Internalized stigma, Social functioning, Nurse

DOI: 10.20472/BMC.2016.004.016

PDF: Download